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Pittsburgh Riverhounds

FINAL: San Antonio FC 2, Riverhounds SC 0

Photo courtesy San Antonio FC
USL Championship Regular Season – Week Two

FINAL:  San Antonio FC 2, Pittsburgh 0

Live statistics: USL Championship Match Center

Instant Match Summary

Deep in the heart of Texas, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC came up short in its second match of the season, falling 2-0, to San Antonio FC on Saturday night at Toyota Park.

San Antonio’s Jorge Hernandez came up with the big play that broke a deadlocked match in the 54th minute by eluding Hounds keeper Eric Dick, who came way off his line, then burying a clinical finish.

Pittsburgh (0-1-1, 1 point) made a late push looking for the equalizer, generating five of its six shots for the night in the final 45 minutes, but SAFC keeper Richard Sanchez turned away one dangerous chance off the foot of Hounds midfielder Jason Bourgey.

San Antonio tacked on a late goal in the 88th minute, when Luke Haakenson made a run to the middle of the goal box, getting on the end of a Alex Grieve cut back pass that dashed Pittsburgh’s hopes, giving the hosts a two-goal lead.

The two sides played to a first half stalemate as winds exceeding 30 miles per hours were giving both clubs fits — but it was especially challenging for the Hounds who were looking to strike by playing more direct.

Instead, Pittsburgh’s passes were off the mark more often than not.

The Hounds best chances in the first half came when they drew three fouls on the edge of the box, but each time, free kick opportunities were thwarted by San Antonio, including a deceptive effort that ended up with defender Sean Suber unleashing a chance, but was blocked by the SAFC wall.

San Antonio held the advantage in shots (10-5, 3-1 on target), while the Hounds second half push neutralized the possession battle — ending with 52 percent of the ball.

Look for a more detailed recap to follow along with post match reaction from PSN’s John Krysinsky and Colton Coreschi.  

Post Match Reaction Show: Riverhounds can’t generate many scoring chances in road loss at San Antonio

Match Day Updates

Follow along here with latest updates and commentary on Riverhounds vs San Antonio clash at Toyota Field… 

FINAL — SAN ANTONIO 2, PITTSBURGH 0

88′ — GOAL — SAN ANTONIO  — Luke Haakenson

On the counter — SAFC strikes again.  Luke Haakenson gets to the middle of the goal box, as Alex Crognale made a run to the end line, then cut back a pass.

87′ — YELLOW CARD — Illal Osumanu

80′ — HOUNDS SUB

  • IN — Max Broughton, Brigham Larsen
  • OUT — Jackson Walti, Luke Biasi

70′ — HOUNDS SUBS

  • IN — Aiden O’Toole & Jorge Garcia
  • OUT — Beto Ydrach & Junior Etou

68′ — GREAT CHANCE FOR HOUNDS.  Jason Bourgey with a solid strike from 14 yards after creating some space for himself — but Sanchez is there to make the best save of the night to this point.

66′ — Beto Ydrach with header chance off corner for Hounds — but hits it too high!

54′ — GOAL — SAN ANTONIO — Jorge Hernandez

SAFC’s captain and playmaker evades Hounds keeper Eric Dick while getting onto ball from a long service from Jimmy Medranda — taking the ball off chest (partly off shoulder), then gets into box for a clinical right footed finish into open net.

52′ — Following a short free kick attempt, Etou cross forces SAFC keeper Roberto Sanchez to dive forward at near post to punch away from danger

50′ — Hounds scramble to get numbers in box behind ball as San Antone gets a few shot chances

47′ — Beto Ydrach’s shot chance from edge is blocked

47′ — At near post side, Williams is fed a terrific ball but can’t get a clean touch on it — and shot attempt is denied.

HALF — PITTSBURGH 0, SAN ANTONIO 0

Just one shot on target for either team — coming from San Antone’s Juan Agudelo.  Pittsburgh tried to play direct but really couldn’t string much together in the final third with exception of drawing three free kick chances.

San Antonio dominating possession stats (62/38) and have 4-2 shots edge (1-0 on target).

42′ — YELLOW CARD — Hounds’ Augustine Williams undercuts SAFC defender as both position themselves for high ball.

34′ — YELLOW CARD — SAFC’s Aimir Soto with a push to Luke Biasi about 24 yards from goal sets up third free kick for Hounds — who can’t execute a short ball misdirection attempt.  It was intercepted giving SAFC a transition moment but Hounds get back to shut it down.

32′ — Riverhounds looking to play more direct tonight — at least in first half with wind to their backs.  But can’t seem to connect or create too many chances in/around box through first 30 minutes. Only shots coming on a pair of free kicks (one blocked/one over bar)

27′ — First shot of match for San Antonio — coming from Agudelo from 12 yards.  It’s to near post side which was well covered by Hounds GK Eric Dick who makes save on close range shot.

8:33 p.m. — Match kicks off!

Hounds wearing road white/gold kits. SAFC in all black.   Looks like it’s crazy windy out there at Toyota Field.

7:45 p.m. — Riverhounds Starting XI:

Are the Hounds going back to a 5-4-1 or stay with four in the back?

We’ll be watching to see where Beto Ydrach lines up as that will likely be the primary indicator.

Also — all three keepers are in the 18.

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San Antonio FC’s Starting XI

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Preview and Scouting Report: Riverhounds, San Antonio FC both playing for keeps in new season

Saturday, March 15  |   8:30 p.m.  |  Toyota Field, San Antonio, Texas
Odds: Hounds +150 / Draw +200 / San Antonio +180 (FanDuel)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh
Streaming: ESPN+

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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